What are the responsibilities and job description for the Rock Climbing Day Camp Counselor - Summer 2025 position at Keystone Science School?

Job Details

Job Location

KEYSTONE SCIENCE SCHOOL - KEYSTONE, CO

Position Type

Seasonal / Temporary

Description

Job Title : Pathfinders Camp Counselor

Compensation : $550.00 per week base rate, 10% increase for Spanish speakers, $30 a week for climbing site manager

Housing : Yes

Exemption Status : Exempt

Employee Classification : Temporary Full-time

Dates of Employment : May 12th, 2025 or May 19th, 2025 - August 16, 2025

Reporting to : Day Camp Manager

Direct Reports : None

Position Summary

As a Pathfinders Camp Counselor, you'll lead middle schoolers through exciting weekly themes-Rock, Horse, and Water-while guiding them in rock climbing, paddleboarding, rafting, fly fishing, and horse care. You'll create a fun, safe environment where campers build confidence, teamwork, and outdoor skills.

This role is dynamic and hands-on, with most of your time spent leading high-energy adventures and sparking curiosity through environmental science lessons. You'll also manage daily logistics like camper supervision, transportation, and activity setup. From facilitating team-building challenges to driving a 15-passenger van, you'll help make every Pathfinder experience unforgettable!

The wage for this position is $550.00 weekly with a 10% increase for those fluent in English and Spanish.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Facilitation

Supervise up to 13 campers daily and ensure individual needs are met.
Lead activities in rock climbing, paddleboarding, fly fishing, and horse care.
Facilitate environmental science, team building, games, and crafts.

Rock Climbing

Teach climbing safety, belaying, and basic techniques.

Manage top rope climbing sites and ensure proper gear use.

Provide hands-on coaching and support for campers of all skill levels.

Maintain high safety standards and follow risk management policies.

Support & Logistics

Oversee camper safety, logistics, and risk management.

Support with the Tuesday day camp sleepover shifts on a rotating basis.

Assist with meals, setup / cleanup, and student free time.

Handle check-in / out, take photos, and maintain camp equipment.

Drive a 15-passenger van (Van Driver Training required)

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Skills

Ability to work with and create an inclusive environment for diverse campers.

Experience in risk management for outdoor and environmental education.

Strong group management skills, especially with youth in outdoor settings.

Creativity, adaptability, and flexibility in managing children in various situations.

Outdoor recreation experience (e.g., hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing).

Knowledge of science-based curriculum (e.g., ecology, geology, biology).

Desire to contribute positively to the KSS community.

Rock Climbing Skills :

Teach climbing safety, belaying, and basic techniques.

Manage top rope climbing sites and inspect / maintain climbing gear.

Tie essential knots and hitches for sport climbing.

Provide hands-on coaching for campers of all skill levels.

Lead belay and ensure high safety standards.

Experience with sport / trad climbing (5.8 ), lead climbing (5.9 preferred).

Ability to set up / clean top rope climbs and manage institutional climbing.

Familiarity with rappel safety and basic rescue techniques (e.g., belay transfers).

Knowledge of KSS climbing crags (preferred but not required).

Professional climbing certifications (e.g., SPI) are a plus.

Education, Experience and Certifications

Be over the age of 18 by the start date of employment.

Preferred - Age 20 with an excellent driving record and a valid driver's license.

Awareness of outdoor climbing safety practices.

Experience leading youth in outdoor recreation excursions.

Familiarity with climbing gear (harnesses, helmets, ropes, belay devices, slings, quickdraws).

SPI or other climbing certifications are a plus.

460 hours of experience working with school- age children (verification of hours required).

Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor, or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment (KSS does offer an on-site WFA course before staff training in May at the expense of the individual).

Physical Requirements

Able to work a majority of the time outside at high altitude in varying conditions including uneven and slick terrain and unpredictable weather and situations.

Physically able to assist participants with recreation equipment during activities.

Able to lift a minimum of 75 lbs. with assistance.

Dexterity, auditory and visual acuity to operate computers and phones or mobile devices.

Auditory and visual acuity to interact with guests, students, clients on a daily basis.

Able to successfully manage multiple, high priority tasks in a fast-paced and often times crowded and noisy environment

Keystone Science School : Who We Are

Keystone Science School (KSS) ignites curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on, nature-based learning. Nestled at 9,200 feet in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, our 23-acre campus serves as a hub for immersive, inquiry-driven experiences. Since 1976, we have combined outdoor adventure with STEM education, empowering students, teachers, and communities. Our programs-including summer camps, school-based learning, and outdoor education-promote scientific exploration, leadership, and environmental stewardship. With log-style dorms, a dining hall, an outdoor amphitheater, and an observatory, KSS provides an inspiring setting for discovery.

Benefits for Seasonal Staff

At KSS, our staff are essential to our mission. We are proud to offer rewarding benefits including professional development opportunities and those listed below.

Free meals and housing maybe provided depending on position.

Up to 32 paid sick hours.

Paid holidays.

Access to medical, dental, and vision benefits after four months of employment.

Sick time, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) are offered.

Discounts to outdoor retailers and discounted ski pass opportunities.

Work Schedule and Environment

This position primarily operates in a high-altitude outdoor environment. Day Camp programs run five days a week, from Monday through Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays off. Additional hours are required on Thursdays for the weekly campus reset. Programming takes place both on campus and at remote off-site locations. Employees will work closely with teammates and campers in this highly collaborative role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Keystone Science School is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $30

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